Improving Chronic Illness Care was a national program of The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation dedicated to the idea that United States health could do better.

At last count, nearly half of all Americans have one or more chronic illnesses. For those age 65 or older, that number jumps to 85%. People with chronic conditions cost the health care system $1.5 trillion, or roughly 75% of total health care expenditures. 1

We believe that people can lead better, healthier lives. Providers who care for chronically ill patients can be better supported with evidence-based guidelines, specialty expertise, and information systems. Overall health care costs can be lowered through better care delivery.

We still believe that all of this is possible by transforming what is currently a reactive health care system into one that keeps its patients as healthy as possible through planning, proven strategies and management.